Meet David & Lilian: La Familia Rodriguez
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
David: We are a multigenerational, family-owned farm deeply rooted in our values of quality and community. With the crucial support of our family, we produce coffee with purpose—cultivating not just exceptional beans, but also a business that actively enhances the lives of those around us.
Lilian: My name is Lilian Rodriguez, but I’m known as Doña Lily in the area. I’m responsible for the social aspect of our farm, working closely with the women who join us during the coffee harvest season. I also organize the free dental day for the children of the community.
Tell us about your farm. Where is it, what’s the elevation, what makes it special, what do you love about it?
David: I strive each year to continue producing high-altitude, shade-grown coffee, carefully following every step to avoid harming the soil or the plants. All of our plants are Arabica, which prioritize quality over quantity.
Lilian: The farm is located in the highlands of Mataquescuintla, Guatemala, in the village of Santa Marta, at an altitude of 1,800-2,200 meters above sea level. This altitude allows us to produce specialty coffee with a high-quality cup profile. We are an eco-friendly farm, working closely with an agronomist to care for the soil and protect the local flora and fauna. What I love most is walking through the coffee fields and observing every stage of the coffee process. Breathe the fresh air and listen to the birds sing and think that every grain of coffee produced reaches many people.
Your coffee is shade grown. What does that mean? How does it change the coffee?
David: Because the altitude and shade influence flavor. Coffee grows at high altitude under- shade , develops and matures slowly, producing a cup with higher acidity, more aroma, and better taste. At a lower altitude, the coffee will have lower acidity and less character in the cup.
Lilian: Shade-grown coffee is important because, at this altitude and under shade, we can produce a clean almost organic coffee. Good for the health.
Are there any special projects you are currently working on?
Lilian: The project we have been working on for many years is our wet mill, which will allow us to process our coffee on-site. For years, we’ve had to rent facilities to process our coffee, which has been incredibly demanding both financially and physically during harvest time. We start work at 6:00 in the morning and don’t finish until midnight.
How does the family get involved with coffee production?
Lilian: It’s a team effort; each member of the family plays an important role. Our three children were born in the Bay Area, making us a truly multifunctional family. The whole family has a passion for coffee, including the two granddaughters who are already starting to know about coffee.
Learn more about Guatemala Santa Marta at gtcoffees.com. You can purchase single origin coffee from La Familia Rodriguez right now on our website and in our stores for a limited time.
Single Origin - Guatemala
The Rodríguez family is from Mataquescuintla, Guatemala. Their shade grown coffee helps to mitigate soil erosion and allows for many different types of birds, insects, and plants to thrive. In addition to growing delicious coffee, the Rodríguez family sponsors a “dental day” for 100 children to promote healthy habits and provide dental care for those in need. This delicious dark roast will have you reminiscing about your childhood with notes of s’mores and butterscotch with a hint of red grape to finish it off. Grab a bag before it’s gone!
Roast: Dark
Tasting Notes: S'mores, Butterscotch, Red Grape
Process: Washed
12oz